5 comments about How To Draw Manga Volume 21: Bishoujo Pretty Gals (How to Draw Manga).

1. I agree with many of the others that this is not a beginner's "how to" book, but it has a lot of great examples to use if you are interested in improving Manga drawing technique. There is a wealth of examples in the book, to include "chibi" figures- "squashed", childlike figures. Again, the drawback is that there is very little step-by-step done, so an absolute beginner who has no experience with proportions and form may not like this book as much as I did.



2. If you would like to learn how to draw women taking showers, stripping down to their panties, languishing in bed naked, prancing about in negligee or serving cocktails in a bunny costume. Otherwise, I would suggest another book.



3. i do think its pretty, cute, and funny (like the cat girl pouncing on a little mouse that looks like jerry!) but there is some pictures of naked girls, ones wearing reveling clothes, some are fully dressed but have [...]. so be sure not to the book to little kids. but there are gorgeous ones,like mermaids. i hope it will inspire its readers ;)!



4. It's not one of my top favorite How to Draw Books I have, but I still love it quite a bit. It helps to get your characters down in the way you want to and it also has things that many other books like this don't. Next to my favorite "Occult and Horror" and "Girls Life Illustration File" it's one of the best out there.



5. This is a great book for learning how to draw manga girls. Not the best for ideas on actual characters or outfits, this book goes more into HOW stuff works and lays over, and how the body itself is formed, which is tremendously helpful anyway. I recommend it to fans of manga and anime.

5 comments about An Eames Primer.

1. In 1988, filmmaker Eames Demetrios made the film, 901: After 45 Years of Working, a family record of the closing of the Eames Office shortly after the death of Ray. It was an objective attempt to capture the essence of the studio and design work created by Charles and Ray Eames and their multi-talented staff. Now more than ten years later, Demetrios has again recorded the studio and work in the book, An Eames Primer. The modest title implies an introduction and starting point to all the work of his grandparents but it is much more informative. What makes this book essential reading is the personal nature of the writing, connections, and the concept of "design addressing itself to the need."

   Much of this personal nature is expressed in the chapter on the life of Charles Eames and Ray Kaiser before their meeting at Cranbrook, including extensive writing on each family history. This early period of their lives is illustrated by several drawings and paintings by Charles and Ray with each piece exhibiting a pleasing combination of color and form that would later become the hallmark of their work.

   Demetrios devotes two pages on the issue of the Eameses signing with either Knoll or Herman Miller for the plywood group. This analysis, which isn't really dealt with in other books, is a rational and logical explanation of Charles and Ray's principles and their main concern about simply marketing a "good chair". For anyone interested in this crucial choice the author has formulated an essential case for the decision to go with Herman Miller.

   One of the many highlights of the book is a wonderful collection of color photographs of different objects hanging from the ceiling of the Eames House that is pure aesthetic delight. Also, the bottom right corner of each page serves as a flipbook tour of the expansive 901 Studio.

   What must have been an amazing event in film exhibition is Glimpses of the USA at the American Pavilion in Moscow in 1959. The seven-screen presentation of life in the United States shows a cultural identity of amazing diversity and Demetrios explains the process behind the production of this film. In an unbelievable set of circumstances, the American government had given Charles and Ray complete freedom to produce this film at the height of the Cold War with no "final cut" approval from Washington. Several pages also describe the production of the two versions of Powers of Ten. These films required experiments in film technology and camera work and Demetrios fully describes the process. The many contributions of staff members and outside consultants are thoroughly explained.

   Throughout the book, many former Eames Office members and consultants describe their experience of working in the studio on the amazing variety of projects. Issues of design attribution are commented upon and examined for several projects.

   Two days after finishing the book I retrieved Eames Design and several other excellent books and realized that everything now seemed much clearer after reading Primer. Perhaps Demetrios is correct in giving his work that modest title. The clean and clear connection has been analyzed and described so that it all seems so perfectly obvious. This is an informative educational book written in a casual but serious style and a worthy addition to a personal library.




2. As you might imagine and the title implies this is a wonderful introduction to the work of the Eames' design office. More importantly it is a warm fun filled story of two wonderful and creative human beings who truly sought to make a difference in the world by living with integrity. I feel they succeeded and I think that anyone who reads this little gem will begin to see the connections that weave all life's little mysteries into a comprehensive story .



3. This is a great insight into the lives of the Eames'. I think many designers (myself included) think we know something of their lives and importance. This book is a true eye opener into their influence around the world. There is so much to learn not just from their work, but HOW they lived their lives. Very well written. A must read for any designer.



4. I have had the pleasure of visiting the Eames House and the Eames Family (incldg Eames Demetrios--author and grand-son and Lucia --Charles's only child) on the occasion of the Charles's 100th birthday anniversary. What a delight! Before that wonderful trip, I had the benefit of reading this book which helped me fully understand the history and legacy of this important creative team and the family life that influenced them
   
   It's a must have for any mid century devotee. Get it for your library and be inspired!



5. Before reading this book I would have found it difficult to believe that I would be able to use the word hyperbole and the Eames Office in the same sentence. The work of the Eames Office remains beyond reproach and this book does offer some genuine insight into its multifaceted work but tends to avoid difficult questions and for the most part gives simple answers.
   
   The book glosses over the realities and complexities of the Eamesian approach to design and the creative atmosphere of the Office. However, I think the title itself makes the authors intent clear. As a "primer" this book fits the bill in terms of the information included. My main criticism is that the author should have followed through and been more concise and direct. This book is verbose and practically glows with the repetitive and nearly-universal fond memories of the individuals interviewed. Worst of all, the prose has the faint sent of re-contextualization and hero worship (hard to avoid for a grandson).
   
   Secondary to the above but still significant is the books poor quality of design and production. I found the book extremely difficult to read. The font and point size selected, compounded by the overly-wide text line length, made for uncomfortable reading. To top it off the paper selected displayed a surface glare that made reading the book all but impossible except in the best light conditions. The design renders it more a pretty-object rather than a functional book. On the other hand it looks good on the shelf... if you want to impress your friends.
   
   If it weren't for the fact that this book is really about as good as any other design book, it would fair far worse. If you couldn't tell, I would recommend getting the book as there is not much out there on the subject thats any better.

5 comments about Leonardo Drawings (Dover Art Library).

1. The reprints in this book are of absoultely terrible quality. If you are planning to use them as sources for drawings forget it! There are other Dover books that are better such as Sargent's. This book is of no use at all.



2. I was very disappointed in the quality of the Adobe Reader version I downloaded. I don't know if the other reviewers were reviewing hard copy versions or digital downloads. A hard copy version might be OK, but the digital version is not worth a cent in my opinion. I was hoping to be able to make some small letter-size posters for my office at work, but the resolution was so poor I don't think any of the drawings will be usable. My recommendation is don't waste your money on the download.



3. The print quality is so low and I can hardly see anything. forget it.



4. Leonardo da Vinci
   
   was an Italian Renaissance polymath:
   
   
   
   an architect, musician, anatomist, inventor, engineer, sculptor, geometer, and painter. He has been described as the archetype of the " Renaissance man" and as a universal genius, a man infinitely curious and infinitely inventive. He is also considered one of the greatest painters that ever lived.
   
   
   Portrait in red chalk, circa 1512 to 1515, widely (though not universally) accepted as a genuine self-portrait.In his lifetime, Leonardo - he had no surname in the modern sense; "da Vinci" simply means "from Vinci" - was an engineer, artist, anatomist, physiologist and much more.
   
   
   
   His full birth name was "Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci", meaning "Leonardo, of ser Piero from Vinci". Leonardo is famous for his paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, as well as for influential drawings such as the Vitruvian Man. He designed many inventions that anticipated modern technology, such as the helicopter, tank, use of solar power, the calculator, etc., though few of these designs were constructed or were feasible in his lifetime. In addition, he advanced the study of anatomy, astronomy, and civil engineering. Of his works, only a few paintings survive, together with his notebooks (scattered among various collections) containing drawings, scientific diagrams and notes.



5. Absolutely horrible print quality. Did you get these pictures from internet?

1 comments about Autocad And Its Applications: Comprehensive, 2007.

1. covers all aspects of autocad 2006 in simple easy to understand language with hands on tutorials.

1 comments about You've Come A Long Way, Charlie Brown (Peanuts Classics).

1. This is Peanuts at the beginning of the 1970's. Sally mistakes "The Age of Aquarius" with "The Age of Aquariums"! Woodstock is finally christened, after spending years paying visits to Snoopy "I finally found out that dumb bird's name!". Now Snoopy had his own buddy. Lucy tries to get Schroeder to forget Beethoven and give her a little attention to no avail. Peppermint Patty's plays Charlie Brown's team and of course beats his team!

5 comments about Traveling Light: Stories & Drawings for a Quiet Mind.

1. Familiar with Brian Andreas' black and white drawings in his previous books, I was delighted to find this book in color. With three Andreas prints hanging in my home, I've found this artist and author succinctly illustrates stories from my inner life as if that life were as easily accessable as my outward appearance.

   Andreas' knows how to tell a complete, touching and usually whimsically humorous tale in only a sentence or two. He captures the essence of situations in a few words, then illustrates the same situation with drawings equally economic and whimsical.




2. ..it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it is more fun if you just let the wind carry you."

   Like sayings of Pooh, Brian's elemental life-isms are poignant and insightful, and come from the soul of an eternal child. They are easy to carry around in your head and heart, and make my crazy life a little bit more bearable.

   The book itself is also a delight to peruse, with vibrant renditions of his offbeat artwork and funky fonts. Even the cover binding and paper seems chosen with love and care, "Traveling Light" is a treat to touch and hold.

   Just add warm blanket, a cup of tea, and someone to share reading it aloud to.

   (I have only one of his prints so far!)




3. Of all the Brian Andreas books, this is my favorite. I love the bright and colorful illustrations and the wonderful quotes. This book makes a terrific gift!



4. This is such a great book. I introduce Brian Andreas to everyone I can by offering this delightful book to borrow or as a gift. You simply cannot help but smile at how he has found words for thoughts that didn't seem to have words before. I love StoryPeople.



5. Brian Andreas does a delightful job of conveying wisdom in a witty way. I first learned of him when my sister bought me one of his pictures when I was her maid of honor. Since then, I've bought 6 more pictures and several of his books.
   
   In "Traveling Light," he provides wonderful pictures and stories reflecting his outlook on life.
   
   To give you an idea of his writing style, here are a few of my favorite quotes in this book:
   
   "How many people can you love before it's too much? she said. & I said I didn't think there was any real limit as long as you didn't care if they loved you back." ....and....
   
   "I don't think of it as working for world peace, he said. I think of it as just trying to get along in a really big strange family." ...and...
   
   "I know I promised I wouldn't complain, she said, but I'm not ready to start just yet."
   
   The book will make you think...and make you smile.

3 comments about Small Spaces, Beautiful Kitchens.

1. If you like contemporary, modern, eclectic, and retro styles, this book is great to look at. If not, borrow it from the library just for the text. I have made more practical moderations to my original ideas from this book than any of the dozens of other books and magazines that I own.
   
   For instance, I originally was set on installing a microwave/range hood combination over our stove. This book points out that having a microwave in this position is inconvenient, even dangerous since it is very high up and over an area that is frequently hot. Also, it is difficult for children to reach. Instead, a built-in microwave shelf in a different location makes more sense. The suggestion may not be as space-saving as my original plan, but made sense nonetheless. This coming from a family of four with an 11'x 8' kitchen.
   
   The photos presented an assortment of styles, sizes, and cost-ranges although it leaned more toward high-end, contemporary, and larger than my kitchen.
   
   I would have liked to see more photos with large key ingredients like refrigerators. I would have preferred to see more floor plans and actual room dimensions. Unfortunately, I have not seen a book yet that was strong in this area. I think that any decorating book that has the word `small' on it's cover should strive to include those details.



2. I am pleased with this book. It has a lot of ideas for the kitchen that I would have never thought of. If you are undecided and can't figure out just what you want this is a good book. I'm very pleased.



3. This book might be useful to more people than its title implies. The emphasis is on efficiency and small kitchens, but some of the kitchens in the book are not so small. Most of the advice will be helpful to anyone who is considering a kitchen renovation, regardless of the size of the room. Of course, a large kitchen gives one the option to create unused space that a small kitchen does not, so the book is especially helpful for people with space-limited kitchens. I use that term rather than "small" because the dimensions of my kitchen are largeish, but the layout of doors (all necessary) limits the cabinets and countertops in the room. I'm looking for creative ways to think about reconfiguring the space, and this book has been very helpful in terms of encouraging me to think about where to store things (items used less often can be outside the main kitchen space, for instance), what I typically do in the kitchen vs. sometimes do or rarely do, and how to plan a cohesive design style that works functionally and makes the kitchen a pleasant place for the cook. For example, I've been using wire shelving units as a temporary solution to my kitchen's lack of counters and storage space, but I wouldn't have considered this as a permanent design option before reading this book. That wouldn't be everyone's preference, but this book provides examples of several design styles to suit a variety of tastes. Other kitchen books provide more advice about the nitty-gritty of kitchen functions such as including enough electrical outlets, materials choices, etc. For that sort of information, I recommend "This Old House: Kitchens" (an oldie but still the best). To help you think about what you want and need in your kitchen in terms of function and visual appeal, especially if every inch counts or if the kitchen is part of another room, this book is a good investment.

5 comments about Kirby Five-Oh!: Celebrating 50 Years Of The "King" Of Comics.

1. WOW, the KIRBY legacy continues to grow ! This is the capper of great tabloid issues featuring the world's adoration of Jack Kirby. Why do we all love this guy...because he was the BEST. And still is if you head into a comic shop today. More of his work is in print now then ever !!!



2. This book has lots of Kirby's work and after all, that's why i bought this large format paperback.
   I took one star off for the crappy paper inside, but it does have a glossy cover though.
   Also lots of facts about kirby you might have not known.It's a list of the 50 best 'everything' about Kirby.
   If you love Kirby then what are you waiting for?
   Buy the book already...



3. Landmark issue #50 of the Kirby Collector is an oversized collection of many items including 50 best Kirby stories, 50 best covers, 50 best examples of unused art, a 50 page art gallery, 50 best Kirby character designs, 50 people influenced by Kirby, all with text, full page photos and skads of Kirby primo art, pencilled, inked, and colored! Mark Evanier, John Morrow, and much more. A beautiful tribute to the King with hundreds of full page and smaller examples of art. Quality color cover and white, nice inside pages, and a color section that is psychedelic. If you are a fan, you must have this great book or be whipped by Granny Goodness for insubordination.



4. Jack 'King' Kirby is co-creator of the Marvel Comics line; "Kirby Five-Oh!" is a celebration of his 50-year career gathers regular columnists from the Jack Kirby Collector magazine to provide the best Kirby story published each year, from 1938-87. The oversized, mostly black-and-white reproductions include writings about Kirby's career and contributions, and makes for an outstanding analysis of his impact. Libraries will find "Kirby Five-Oh!" difficult to shelve due to its oversized format - but then, this book shouldn't disappear on a shelf; it should be displayed for eye-catching interest.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



5. If you're a fan of Jack Kirby's, the last few months have been a boon for you. First we had the outstanding book `Kirby, King of Comics" published by Abrams Books and now TwoMorrows Publishing has delivered "Kirby Five-Oh". This is actually a very special fiftieth issue of TwoMorrow's Kirby Collector Magazine only this is no mere magazine. This is a treasury-sized trade paperback book, which is filled with Kirby artwork, much of it unpublished, or being seen for the first time in decades. As a fiftieth issue, Editor John Morrow presents readers with lists of the fifty best Kirby stories, covers, unused pieces of art, and character designs along with a fifty page Kirby art gallery, and fifty people who have been influenced by the "King".
   
   The fifty best stories is a bit misleading. Rather than pick the fifty best Kirby stories, the panel of Kirby experts chose the best Kirby story by year, starting with Jack's first comic book work in Jumbo Comics #1 from 1938. It probably wasn't easy picking a best Kirby story in the late 40s and into the 1950s. By that time, superhero titles had nearly all disappeared and Jack took work wherever he could. He found himself doing a lot of romance and western comics but in 1956 he did a story for Astonishing which represented his first Silver Age work for Marvel, called Atlas at the time.
   
   It also had to be quite hard to pick a best Kirby story once you got into the 1960s because there was just so many to choose them. This decade featured so many great creations and stories but making the cut are "The Sub-Mariner Vs. the Human Race" from Fantastic Four Annual #1 (1963), The Galactus Trilogy from 1966, and the Madbomb Saga from Captain America #193 - 200 (1976). This storyline was Jack's triumphant return to the character he helped to create 35 years earlier.
   
   The lists are enjoyable reading but the real attraction is the bounty of Kirby art. All 50 of the best covers are reprinted along with comments from many notable comic artists and writers including George Perez, Russ Heath, Dave Stevens, and Alex Ross. There's also a lot of great photos of jack from throughout his life, both working and also with his family. The book concludes with 50 short interviews, and comments from creators who've been influenced by Jack. Even people who are considered comic legends in their own right like Alan Moore, Alex Ross, and John Romita Sr., still revere Jack Kirby. Jack may be gone but thanks to publishers like TwoMorrows, his work continues to live on.

5 comments about Child Care Design Guide.

1. Preeminent authority on design for child care, Anita Rui Olds consummated a lifetime of deep concern and research into the needs of children with the publication of this magnum opus. Lavish use of illustrations--photos, sketches, floor plans, and examples--and attractive layout support Ms. Olds's incisive text to create a remarkably accessible book. Many hundreds of child care professionals and architects who have studied under Ms. Olds will recognize and welcome this work as the summation of the concepts that placed the author at the forefront of her field.

   More and more children are in institutional care and, "in search of a model," day care typically happens in society's "leftover" spaces, church basements, warehouses, and places intended for adults. This book will help anyone committed to doing better for our children to "see that young children are raised in nurturing, spirited settings that honor their precious young souls." (from the introduction)

   The book's only drawback is technical as the reproduction of photographs is of disappointing quality.

   Tragically, Anita Olds did not live to see this book published. We can be thankful that she left it for us, full of her passion for children. In its use we will honor her spirit as we effect her designs.




2. This must be the best book that exist about designing Child Care Center. It covers everything, but the most important is the focus the autor made on the children. This book is a must for every architect or people interested in design of this kind of buildings, specially if he/she is really interested in children well being.
   The only but is that for the quality of its content, this book deserves a better paper and color pictures. (a 0 star here for MacGrow-Hill).
   Probably this book is call to change the way a day care is seen today.



3. This is a terrific and necessary resource for anyone involved with the design or renovation of a child care setting. The author has clearly and concisely poured into the book her considerable knowledge and understanding of child care facilities, her passionate beliefs, and her attention to the details of good design. Her knowledge of child development is evident in all of her ideas.



4. Worth every dime!!! Anita Rui Olds has incredible insight into creating environments that are reflective of children and their interests. She believes that a child care setting should have "spirit." Included are Reggio-type environmental solutions that create a sense of wonder with an architecturally aesthetic sensibility. Lots of great ideas packed into this book. Only regret is that the pictures are too small and not in color. Would have been worth extra [$$] to have an expanded edition.



5. This book was a great addition to the work that I do and the designing of a child care center. The author catches the essence of what is needed to consider when starting from scratch.
   Great find! Great resource!!

5 comments about Richard Neutra: Complete Works (Architecture & Design).

1. This book is amazing though the photos of Neutra's projects are generally not as large as one would hope. It is amazing how much Neutra created during his career. A brilliant book filled with insightful information and general floor plans of building projects. Best of all, there is even a map as to the location of his buildings.



2. Barbara Lamprecht and Julius Shulman have created one the great architecture books about this leading figure of 20th century modernism. As a fan of Lamprecht's excellent writing, the text in this book is, of course, excellent---full of information, opinion and wit. The depth of information provided, including floor plans, is rare in an architectural photo book. Shulman's photos (and some by the new architectural photo star--John Ellis) are superb. The very large format of this book shows off the beautiful buildings to their best advantage. The real wood cover seems a bit odd for a book on Neutra, but it certainly is handsomely impressive. Though [the price] is a a lot for a book, this one's worth it. Buy it now. The second edition might not be so large and impressive, and certainly won't be made of wood!



3. It could better be called the incomplete works.
   It does not contain a description of Neutra's live.
   
   For many realized projects texts are incomplete (e.g. what is the history about realization of the projects?, what ever happened with the buildings?), or even missing, plans are incomplete, missing, or contain errors if compared with the pictures, or not all the floors are represented by plans.
   
   Basically, the book, in spite of its price and weight, looks attractive because of the very good photography and layout, everything else (the texts and plans) are disappointing and certainly not worth the money.



4. What a lovely book. I am so glad that this book was reissued. It is huge, with lots of beautiful photos of Neutra's work. A must for those interested in California modern architecture and the Case Study Houses.



5. I am a strong believer that any discussion of a good archtiect must contain excellect picures and drawings. This book is a good overview. It has some excellent pictures, but the selection, organization and orientation of those pictures are sometimes very poor.
   
   THE BOOK IS NOT COMPLETE. Richard Neutra designed the Gettysburg's Cyclorama Center in 1962. It has been visited by millions of people and is facing destruction (or already has been destroyed). But it is not shown or even mentioned in this book.